Finding plants that thrive in full shade is a difficult task. Difficulties begin with the definition of sun requirements, so it is important to first discuss the related phrases, starting with the concept of full shade.
Full-shade plants don't mean they don't need sun. For horticultural purposes, a site is said to be in full shade if it receives no more than three hours of direct sunlight per day and spends the rest of the day in filtered sunlight. Preferably, sunlight hours are in the cool morning hours, with filtered protection from harsh sunlight until late afternoon.
Plants that are Grown in Shades or Partial Sun
The best plants that are grown in shady areas can not only survive, but also tend to thrive in low-light environments.
Shurbs
When designing a shade garden, shrubs can be easily forgotten (many gardeners gravitate toward annuals and perennial flowering plants). Don't overlook the bushes, though. They provide that planting bed, which you're ready to cover with small, bright plants that jump out at you as a garden centerpiece, texture, and backdrop. Below are shrubs that, cultivated for their foliage, can significantly improve a shade garden.
1. Hetz’s Japanese holly
2. Inkberry holly
3. Hemlock
4. Yew
Perennial
You can make up for the lack of color variety and spectacular seasonal show that your evergreen shrubs are unable to offer with perennials, especially those that flower. Below are plants that can be grown in full to partial shade.
1. Common bleeding hearts
2. Fringed bleeding hearts
3. Dutchman’s breeches
4. Jack-in-the-pulpit
5. Lenten rose
6. Virginia bluebells
7. Toad lily
Ground Covers
You can make up for the lack of color variety and spectacular seasonal show that your evergreen shrubs are unable to offer with perennials, especially those that flower. Below are plants that can be grown in full to partial shade.
1. Spotted deadnettle
2. Creeping myrtle
3. Cast iron plant
4. Japanese pachysandra
5. Bunchberry
Vines
If you're looking for a flowering vine that can withstand cold weather, your options for shade-tolerant vines are relatively limited. Boston ivy is cultivated for its leaves rather than its flowers. Unfortunately, if the plants are planted in full shade, the fall color is not as vibrant. However, it gives summer plants a shady spot. A preferred vine for cold-weather gardeners, climbing hydrangea also blooms well when grown in full shade.
1. Climbing hydrangea
2. Boston ivy
Annuals
Plants that bloom in strategic locations each year can complement the flowers that your perennials produce. Remember that many plants that gardeners grow as annuals in northern climates are perennials in the warmer parts of the world where they originated (in most cases, the tropics). Cold winter conditions cannot support these delicate plants. In this instance, consumption dominates vegetation. Because they work in gardens in cooler regions, these plants are called annuals because of their life cycle.
These growing zones show where plants can live as perennials.
1. Impatiens
2. Wax begonia
3. Coleus
4. Fuchsia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a full shade for plants?
Even plants that prefer full shade need full sun. Full shade is defined as no sunlight for most of the day and three hours of direct sunlight each day (ideally in the morning).
How do you know if a plant is doing well?
Healthy plants produce an abundance of new growth, including strong, brightly colored leaves. The plant has strong roots and no signs of disease or pests.
How often should shade plants be watered?
If possible, water the plants once a week in the morning to give them time to dry out before evening.
Final Wordings
Dreaming of your next garden? Even if your color is primarily a shade, you can still add color to it. Many attractive plants will thrive in your garden's flower beds, baskets, and containers, as well as under a large shade tree. But before planting, consider how much shade you have.